Cefic warns that continued delays to the ratification process of the EU–Mercosur trade agreement risk undermining the European Union’s credibility as a global actor committed to delivering on its promises. At a time of unprecedented strain on Europe’s industrial base and increasingly assertive trade policies from the United States and China, we must demonstrate that Europe can offer a credible, rules-based alternative.
Sylvie Lemoine, Cefic’s Deputy Director General commented:
The Mercosur agreement has been over 25 years in the making. Further postponements send the wrong signal to EU businesses. Europe’s chemical industry is facing an unprecedented crisis, with flagging demand and intensifying global competition. The EU-Mercosur agreement is a unique lever for our export-oriented industry to gain preferential access to a key growth market and raw materials. Ratifying the agreement shows that EU is open for business.”
We call on EU decision-makers to demonstrate resolve and take decisive action. Voting for and signing the Mercosur agreement would show that Europe can make bold decisions, remain a trusted global partner, supporting its export-oriented industrial base, and uphold free and fair trade. The time for hesitation is over — Europe must act now.